Review by Brian Byrne: Audi A1

I haven’t had a chance to review the current Volkswagen Polo, even though it has been around for some considerable time, but I understand from colleagues that it’s a decent small car, writes Brian Byrne. I have driven its SEAT cousin Ibiza, which I did like much.

So I was interested to see how the upmarket relative, the newest Audi A1 Sportback, would match up. Straight up it impressed. I liked it enough to feel some regret leaving it back early because of my very full schedule.

Audi’s division of the Volkswagen Group does well in upping both style details and the interiors of its range. Though sharing platforms and powertrains, Audis don’t feel like Volkswagens — a testament to the achievement in becoming a recognised premium brand. That’s more easily done with larger models in the portfolio, tougher to do in the smaller ones and also to get the right premium and value mix.

My review car was bright in its blue, set off with a black roof. Standout from others in its space. The front, recognisably Audi, could have overwhelmed the rest of the car but didn’t. The side profile, without much sculpting, gave it presence. As did the alloys with black detailing.

Inside, the strong dashboard emphasised the special sense of being an Audi. What really set it off was the digital instruments system, the Google Maps part of which totally upshifts sat-nav. Originally offered in the brand’s TT, it’s now available right through the range.

Playing with the display modes offers more or less map against drive information. The wide centre stack screen can also show it, but for the driver the in-front experience leaves the other more suitably available for different business. Unless the passenger insists on watching navigation.

The 335L luggage capacity in the A1 Sportback is more than in the previous generation car, and up to 1,090L is available with the rear seats folded.

Improved connectivity has IOS and Android smartphone linking, and the entertainment system includes DAB radio.

The 116hp turbo 1.0 petrol was the base version for the Audi A1 — cousins in VW’s brand range get lower starting outputs. In the relatively small car it punched well. The 6-speed manual was as precise as I’d expect from any of the group's cars. The feel on the road wasn’t so special — quality handling is no longer just a premium car thing.

The grade was the S-Line — I don’t get a choice of going basic in review offerings. That’s a high spec. At a fairly high cost. But the review car’s extras over even that were charged at €11,130. We have to look at whether it’s worth paying premium or very premium for a supermini?

Buyer’s choice ... or salesperson’s achievement?

PRICE: A1 range from €24,650; review car €40,030.

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